Sudanese president orders to form committee to investigate recent protests

KHARTOUM, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday issued a decree to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent protests in Sudan, official SUNA news agency reported.

According to the decree, the committee will be chaired by Sudan's Justice Minister Mohamed Ahmed Salim, the report said.

Since Dec. 19, various areas in Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, have witnessed popular protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.

Last week, the Sudanese government announced that 19 people have been killed in the protests during which a total of 187 security personnel and 219 civilians were wounded.